Baked BBQ chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option that is full of flavor. By baking the chicken instead of grilling or frying, you cut down on prep time while still achieving tender, juicy meat coated in your favorite BBQ sauce. This method allows the sauce to caramelize on the chicken for maximum stickiness and finger-licking goodness. Making baked BBQ chicken at home impresses guests and satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can master this crowd-pleasing baked chicken.
Ingredients Needed to Make Baked BBQ Chicken
Making baked BBQ chicken is simple because you only need a few basic ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks
- Your favorite BBQ sauce
- Spices and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Butter or oil for greasing the baking pan
- Honey, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, or other BBQ sauce ingredients (optional)
When choosing chicken pieces, opt for bone-in drumsticks or thighs for more flavor and moisture. Chicken breasts work well too. Make sure the chicken is thawed if frozen. Pick your favorite BBQ sauce from the store or make your own from items like ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, spices, etc.
Other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper complement the BBQ flavor. Butter or oil greases the baking pan so the chicken doesn’t stick. Honey and brown sugar are optional to add sweetness.
Steps to Bake BBQ Chicken
Baking BBQ chicken takes minimal effort but yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, etc.
- Grease a baking sheet or pan with butter, oil, or nonstick spray.
Seasoning the chicken before baking helps the flavors absorb better. Greasing the pan prevents sticking.
2. Bake the Chicken
- Arrange chicken pieces evenly on the baking pan. Make sure they aren’t touching.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
Baking without sauce allows the chicken to cook evenly. The timing depends on the size of the pieces. Smaller pieces may cook faster than larger ones.
3. Coat Chicken with BBQ Sauce
- Remove pan from oven. Flip chicken pieces over.
- Brush or drizzle desired amount of BBQ sauce over both sides.
- Bake for 10-15 more minutes until sauce is caramelized and sticky.
Flipping the chicken and adding sauce midway through allows sauce to caramelize. Repeat saucing for extra stickiness.
4. Finish and Serve Baked BBQ Chicken
- Remove baked chicken from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with more BBQ sauce, chopped scallions, or chopped parsley (optional).
- Serve chicken warm alongside desired side dishes.
Letting the chicken rest allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat. Garnishes like scallions add freshness and color. Pair with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, rice, beans or potatoes.
Tips for Best Results
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce overnight before baking.
- Broil chicken for the last 2-3 minutes for crispy, caramelized sauce.
- Bake chicken on a rack over a baking sheet to allow air flow and avoid sogginess.
- Use chicken broth, beer, or water in the pan to prevent drying out.
- For charred flavor, finish chicken on the grill after baking.
Experiment with different BBQ sauces like Kansas City, Carolina vinegar sauce, or Asian sesame sauce. Adjust baking times as needed to reach safe internal temperature.
Common FAQs
What is the best cut of chicken for baked BBQ?
Chicken thighs and drumsticks work well since they stay juicy when baked. Boneless breasts are prone to drying out, so monitor carefully. Leaving the bone in any cut adds moisture and flavor.
What BBQ sauce is best for baking chicken?
Thicker, sticky tomato-based sauces like Kansas City and Memphis style coat chicken well for baking. Think Sweet Baby Ray’s or KC Masterpiece. Thin vinegars may not cling as much.
How long does baked BBQ chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked baked BBQ chicken will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat gently before serving. Discard if smells or looks spoiled.
Can you freeze baked BBQ chicken?
Yes, freeze baked chicken pieces in an airtight container up to 3-4 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating. Glaze with more sauce before serving.
What are good side dishes for baked BBQ chicken?
Baked beans, coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, fries, and cottage cheese are all classic pairings. A crisp green salad balances out the meal.
Variations for Baked BBQ Chicken
There are many ways to adapt baked BBQ chicken to suit your preferences:
- Use different sauces: Substitute teriyaki, honey sriracha, jerk seasoning, or any sauce you like.
- Coat with dry rub: Season chicken with a dry rub of spices, sugar, and salt before baking instead of sauce.
- Marinate overnight: Soak chicken in sauce in the fridge before baking for more flavor.
- Oven-fry method: Coat chicken in breadcrumbs or flour before baking for a crispy coating. Spray with oil for extra crispness.
- Grill finish: Get crispy char marks by putting chicken on the grill for a few minutes after baking.
- Air fryer BBQ chicken: Many swear by the air fryer method! Coat chicken with sauce and cook at 400°F until crispy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavored butter under the skin or unique spice blends in the sauce. Cilantro, lime juice, chili powder and other ingredients can complement the BBQ taste.
How to Make Your Own BBQ Sauce
Whipping up your own BBQ sauce at home allows you to customize the flavor. Try this basic recipe:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- Pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until blended and thickened, about 10 minutes. Cool and use as sauce for baked BBQ chicken. Store extra in the fridge up to 4 weeks.
Experiment with ingredients like mustard, vinegar, maple syrup, coffee, bourbon, peppers, liquid smoke, etc. The possibilities are endless for homemade BBQ sauce!
Conclusion
Baked BBQ chicken is a surefire dinner win thanks to its ease and irresistible flavor combo. Allowing the sauce to caramelize on the chicken during baking results in next-level sticky, sweet and tangy perfection. Since it requires just a few simple ingredients and steps, even weeknight dinners can feel like a backyard BBQ party. Breasts, thighs and drumsticks all shine when slathered in sauce and baked. Add roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, coleslaw or cornbread on the side. Leftovers also make amazing sandwiches or wraps the next day. Now that you know how to master this beloved dish, you’ll want to make it again and again.